It all started way back when I was in the 7th grade, I guess I was 12yrs old then, when my friend, Arjun asked my if I was wanted to join a coaching camp in Badminton (Baddy as we called it!). I was really doing nothing much at that time, so I said, “Sure, why not??”. It was to be a 5day week affair, getting coached for two hours a day. But both me and my friend got so hooked on to the game, that we even continued coaching after the camp was over. We were then joined by another friend of ours, Akshay, and we three would make sure that none of us missed our training daily. Our coach, Pradeep sir, was a real good player, and an even better person. He made the game more fun to play, at least for me….
Well to be honest, out of us three, I was the worst player. Akshay was an excellent sports person, and Arjun had a good temperament for the game. I tried my level best to match them, and we always had friendly rivalry amongst us, both of them constantly challenging me to beat them in a game and though I did match Arjun in plenty of games, I could never beat Akshay. But the day that I’d never forget is when Akshay and I teamed up and took on rival schools from across the district. We came runner’s up in that event, and for me that was truly something. But soon after that, a few weeks later my dad changed his job, and we moved up north to Calcutta. I did continue baddy for over an year, but then the school timings were not kind enough to let me play on a regular basis. That was in 2002.

Well life went on, until today when I was passing by a local club, I saw few people volleying the shuttle. I stood and watched for sometime, and then I asked if I could maybe hit a short or two. I took the racquet, and hit a couple of shorts, missing most tho. I didn’t realize how time flew by, and soon I was playing game after game and winning each one!!! The thrill of the racquet in the hand again was just amazing. I called Akshay in for a game too (who had also incidentally moved to Calcutta), and it was just like the old days…It was back to the old challenge of beating him in a game, but I still couldn’t manage it! But nevertheless, the feeling of it all was exhilarating…

Now as I write this, I sit with an aching back, inflamated thighs and blistered feet. I guess thats the consequence of stretching yourself too much after almost 4 years!! Anyhow…records are meant to be broken, and I’m scheduled another game with Akshay sometime soon…maybe it’ll be my day…;-).